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Pakistan’s Financial Crisis: India Should Be a Friend in NeedAug 7, 2018The Quint

When a neighbour is in dire need, it is only civil to help them to the extent one can. In India, we call it ‘padosi ka dharma’ ─ the duty of a neighbour. The said neighbour may not have the best of relations with you. But if you rush to them with a sincere and no-strings-attached offer of assistance, who knows, your neighbour might realise the virtue and long-term benefits of good-neighbourliness.

Good advice for "normal neighbours" . Pakistan is NOT normal !

Pakistan needs help. With Imran Khan being voted in as the new Prime Minister of Pakistan, all reports emanating from Islamabad state that the biggest challenge the new government will face is the fast-deteriorating state of the economy. The country is on the verge of a balance-of-payments crisis, which will endanger the value of its rupee, and its ability to pay for the soaring import bill. “We will have weeks, not months to act,” according to Asad Umar, who is most likely to be the new finance minister.

In this case, it is best to practice schadenfreude (pleasure derived by India from Pakistan's misfortune.)

However, the United States, which has the highest voting rights in IMF, is disinclined to help what was once its strongest ally in the region for the longest period of time. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said, an IMF bailout must not be used to help “repay Chinese debts that Pakistan has incurred under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)”. This has angered Pakistanis. Umar has hit out by saying, “One friendly advice to the Americans: We’ll worry about our Chinese debt, but I think they better handle their own Chinese debt first.”

Should India help Pakistan? Of course, it should. Indeed, it must. If India doesn’t, what is the meaning of Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating Imran Khan over the phone, after his victory in the elections, and telling him, “We are ready to enter a new era of relations with Pakistan”? Modi also conveyed his “vision of peace and development in the entire neighbourhood” during his conversation with Khan. This vision does not have a ghost of a chance of becoming a reality in South Asia, without India and Pakistan beginning to cooperate like good neighbours, each showing sensitivity to the other’s concerns.

Mr. Kulkarni has not factored in the H&D factor ( Pakis refused to accept their own Kargil dead !)

Now is the time to assure the new government in Islamabad that New Delhi is ready to help. Modi should firmly assure Pakistan’s would-be PM, ‘We know you have several sources to seek help from ─ China, Islamic countries, even the Pakistani diaspora in the UK, USA and elsewhere. But remember that India too is your neighbour. Do not say no to our offer’.

Here is how we can help. First of all, as the world’s fifth largest economy, we are now in a position to assist Pakistan. Not many Pakistanis know that India is now an aid-giver, and no longer a mere aid-receiver. After having been one of the highest recipients of multi-lateral development aid for several decades after independence, India has become a net provider of aid to foreign countries. India’s aid to other developing countries stood at Rs 8,970 crores (nearly USD 1.3 billion) in 2016-17. Of course, given its very healthy level of foreign exchange reserves (USD 425 billion), India can, and should, increase its developmental aid manifold.

Doubt that the Indian awaam will be open to this gesture !

But Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal ─ indeed, all other countries in South Asia (except Pakistan) ─ also receive our assistance. In recent years, India has considerably stepped up its aid to African countries, and also to other distant friends such as Mongolia.

Indian aid and loans have contributed to socio-economic development in all these countries — for instance, the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan has been able to harness hydro-electric power. In Afghanistan, India has constructed hospitals, the Parliament building, and a cricket stadium. In Sri Lanka, India has been constructing houses for rehabilitation of the Tamil population uprooted by the prolonged ethnic war. India has so far provided nearly USD 3 billion in line of credit to Bangladesh, for developing its infrastructure of railways, ports, roads and communications.

Pakistan likes itself to be compared to India, not Bangladesh or Bhutan. Bangladesh and Bhutan are not Atomi powers !!!.

To begin with, India should fully back the IMF’s bailout to Pakistan. Our stand will be in sharp contrast to that of Washington, and Pakistanis will surely see it in a positive light. That is the least we can do, and there is a lot more we should do.

Such rosy sentiments can land him in jail, if this was Pakistan. He would be accused of siding with "Dushman India" !

A part of this assistance should be used for importing a significant amount of goods from Pakistan ─ goods that India needs and Pakistan can sell. This will boost the stagnant and pathetically low trade between our two countries. Ajay Bisaria, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, while addressing the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in March, has rightly said that there is no better way of improving bilateral relations than mutually beneficial economic ties.He has also pointed out that, after removal of non-tariff barriers, liberalisation of visa and normalisation of mutual relations, the two-way trade can easily go up from the present USD 5 billion to USD 30 billion. Notably, Imran Khan, in his highly conciliatory post-election comments on the need to promote friendly relations with India, has also highlighted the need to increase Indo-Pak trade ties.

These utopian ideas may work between normal countries. Pakistan is not normal !!!

After the path-breaking informal summit between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping in Wuhan in April, India has now begun to look at opportunities to participate in mega projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, without formally joining BRI. Individual projects under the USD 62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor ─ road, rail, power, industrial townships and other projects ─ are ideally suited for Indian participation, even without India formally joining CPEC (to which New Delhi continues to be unreconciled).

Is this a crazy and impossible idea? No. Just look at what Modi himself said in his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Qingdao in June. “We have reached a stage,” he remarked, “where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood and in the SCO region is our priority.”

Again utopian ideas without taking into consideration the geo-political realities . !

For example, New Delhi, Islamabad and Beijing can begin talks over a connectivity project which gives India land access to Afghanistan (and beyond to Central Asia) through Pakistan. This will also give Pakistan wider access to the vast Indian market. Modi and Xi have decided in Wuhan that India and China will work together on development projects in Afghanistan.

Isn’t this a very practical way of realising Modi’s vision, which he conveyed in his telephonic conversation with Imran Khan, of achieving both “peace and development in the entire neighbourhood”? Peace and development are mutually both protective and promotive. Therefore, the question about India-Pakistan-China cooperation is not ‘if’, but ‘how soon’.And who knows, if this India-Pakistan good-neighbourliness materialises and grows, it might also help the two countries resolve the Kashmir issue amicably?

Not sure, what he is smoking these days . Either he should get off charas or whatever, or at a minimum start smoking regular filtered tobacco

It is not difficult to confuse two people with the same name. However, not so much when the two are famous personalities from different nations. However, mistakes can be made, which is exactly what happened when a person sent a ‘Dear Prime Minister’ to Indian actor Imran Khan instead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan, who is set to take oath as Prime Minister of Pakistan on August 14.

Taking to social media, the Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na star posted a screenshot of the message and wrote, “I guess I can no longer ignore the call to action. Gonna start drafting some policy outlines this week, I’ll keep you guys updated.”

The message addressed to the PTI chief was a request to let the individual be a part of the politician’s team. The text reads, “Dear Prime Minister Imran Khan Sahib, Successful leader takes right decision at right time. He recognizes true friends and supporters and selects faithful team members. Now it is ten years long governance and I want to join your team on the very first day.”

The picture, which was posted on Khan’s Instagram account, has already garnered over 14,000 likes with many people amused by the mix-up. Here are some of the reactions to the post:

“Punjab House is in every way an appropriate place for Khan sahib to live in,” said Haq, adding that Punjab House is not too far from the prime minister’s office either.

The prime minister-in-waiting will stay in the annex for 4-5 days each week, and spend the weekend at his residence in Banigala, as per Haq.

In his victory speech, Khan had announced that he would not use the Prime Minister House as his residence and that his party would later decide the fate of the building.

Khan had agreed not to use Banigala as his official residence, and instead asked for the lowest category house at the Ministers’ Enclave. Flats fall in the lowest category, but since the necessary protocol for a prime minister cannot be implemented there, the senior officers advised Khan against using a flat and to instead pick a house, to which Khan agreed.(phew!)

But, physician, heal thyself. Mr. Austerity has everyone fooled with his "desire" for the lowest common denominator lifestyle in the true spirit of ijlamic farewell state.

Punjab House too luxurious to promote austerity

If the objective is to promote simplicity and austerity, the prime minister-in-waiting Imran Khan has certainly made a wrong choice of making the Punjab House, Islamabad, as his official residence.

He decided not to shift to the palatial Prime Minister’s House and chose the place which in some ways is far more luxurious than any other official residence in the capital, including the Presidency and PM House.

With six executive suites and a VVIP floor, the Punjab House was constructed by Manzoor Wattoo during his tenure as Punjab chief minister. It is one of the most regal and expensive public buildings with a master bed and suite spread over almost 10,000 sq feet at the VVIP floor. It is like an emperor’s suite with the best possible views of Margalla.

It has three floors. The top floor is the VVIP floor with master bed and suite. The second floor has four executive suites and the ground floor has a reception hall, two beds and a large waiting lounge.

The foyer of the annexe has most expensive chandelier and the largest carpet ever to be lain in a public building. It has a special lift for the VVIP floor.

The Punjab House has approximately 100 employees but in case it becomes the official residence of the PM, its security for being on the hill will be exposed from all the four sides requiring huge deployment of police.

Advance warning - please do not click the link below. You will go blind. Ramana, you have been warned as per your request!

Pakistan May Soon Have A Woman Defence Minister Who Wants To Nuke Indian Cities, Says Report

In an article in The Defence Journal in 1999, Mazari wrote that India’s industrial and population centres should be “primarily counter-value” targets for Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. An earlier article, which appeared in April 1999, gave an impression that her choice of targets was based on religious considerations.

"It would be politically rational to avoid targeting certain industrial and population centres — such as Amritsar and the Sikh population in the Punjab and South and West Bengal — even when Pakistan acquired the capability to do so," she wrote in the April 1999 article.

An official quoted by the website said “her appointment to a key strategic position would be very, very disturbing.”

"The Face That Could Launch a 100,000 Mijjiles!"IOW, she can pick up the phone and call in air strikes on Imran Khan's Palace. No wonder he wants to stay in Poonjab House where there are enough bedrooms for a harem of 150.

Is it not possible for Hindus and Sikhs to join together and Construct a Larger Identical Shrine(s) - similar to the ones in Nankana Saheb - in Indian Punjab as Guru Nanak Dev Ji is revered by both Religions in Punjab and I am sure in other parts of India?

So when the unthinkable occurs our Sikh and Hindu Brethen and Sisters are not at a loss and have a place of Worship available.

Well! There is no concept of pilgrimage as Guru Nanak Dev ji himself taught us. Like he says to the Haji's going to mecca that without good deeds we will both cry.

and original Gurudwaras use to

1. Society aka Sangat coming together and singing devotional kirtan.2. Food for everybody through Sewa (volunteerism).3. Shelter place for travelers (Sarai).4. Educational place aka School for the children of the Sangat.5. A place for a doctor aka Vaid where sangat can visit.6. Guru Hargobind ji started tradition of wrestling bouts, exercises, swimming, keeping body fit, etc.

Gurudwaras are suppose to be community centers of the like minded Sangat.

Exactly. There is no need of making any identical structure this side of the border.If the Gurudwaras on that side are lost, I will feel sorry, no doubts. But then it doesn't break or shake my faith.Even now, not everyone gets to visit these Gurudwaras in Pakistan.

SBajwa wrote:Well! There is no concept of pilgrimage as Guru Nanak Dev ji himself taught us. Like he says to the Haji's going to mecca that without good deeds we will both cry.Here is a narration by Bhai Bala who went along with Guru Nanak Dev and Bhai Mardana to Mecca. They were stopped outside the city while Mardana went to do his Hajj. Guru Nanak dev ji kept telling people the following.

1. Society aka Sangat coming together and singing devotional kirtan.2. Food for everybody through Sewa (volunteerism).3. Shelter place for travelers (Sarai).4. Educational place aka School for the children of the Sangat.5. A place for a doctor aka Vaid where sangat can visit.6. Guru Hargobind ji started tradition of wrestling bouts, exercises, swimming, keeping body fit, etc.

Gurudwaras are suppose to be community centers of the like minded Sangat.

I also went to Bakistan in 2006 without part of any Jatha. The caretakers of the Gurudwara Nanakana sahib were locked inside the gurudwara while the person managing the lock was sleeping in his house. We waited for 30 minutes before he biked in and made us write down in a register that we were Sikhs visiting. There was no Guru Granth Sahib the Nishan Sahib (Flag) was torn. The Sikh children (locked inside) were playing by themselves (there are about 4 families living inside Nankana Sahib). There was no prasad either. It is just a building.

kancha wrote:Exactly. There is no need of making any identical structure this side of the border.If the Gurudwaras on that side are lost, I will feel sorry, no doubts. But then it doesn't break or shake my faith.Even now, not everyone gets to visit these Gurudwaras in Pakistan.

SBajwa Ji & kancha Ji :

I thank you two for your sentiments as well as not taking umbrage at my suggestion.

I also agree in the term “Man Mandir” i.e. The Place of Worship is primarily in the Mind – Heart.

The Har Mandir in Amritsar i. e. the Golden Temple is indeed sufficient for one's Temporal Needs. However, may be, there would be an Edifice to replicate the Janamsthan to counteract the Ātaṅkavadīsthani disregard for non-Islamic Religions in General and Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism in Particular.

India should deliver aid. I mean ied. From 30,000 feet. Pakistan invents Financial Crises every 5 years to "justify" baksheesh from US, WB etc so that they can pay the PLA. Oh! Children are starving! Give more F-16s! Mothers are dying! Send more Air to Air Mijjiles! Plus the baksheesh of $5B to pay the jarnails directly to accept the F-16s and AAMs!

Rochdale grooming gang members to be stripped of UK citizenship, face deportation to Pakistan

Three men convicted of grooming girls for sex in a case that fuelled racial tensions in Britain face deportation to Pakistan after an appeals court upheld a government decision to strip them of British citizenship, The Guardian reported on Wednesday.

Abdul Aziz, Adil Khan and Qari Abdul Rauf were among nine men of Pakistani and Afghan descent convicted of luring girls as young as 13 into sexual encounters using alcohol and drugs. They were based in Rochdale, in northern England.

The gang's ringleader, Shabir Ahmed, was sentenced to 22 years in jail and remains in custody.

The men had challenged the government decision at two immigration tribunals, arguing revoking their citizenship would violate their human right to a family life , as they have children living in the UK.

The men, ranging in age from 22 to 59, used various defences, including claiming the girls were prostitutes.

Hey baklurks! Remember that 100-day economic and social miracle turnaround that I'm the Dim promised you? Well, you may have to wait a wee bit longer. Time to start talking about a 1000-day miracle.

Suckers!

No relief for people likely in first 100 days of PTI government

The incoming Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government plans to offer profitable dollar bonds to overseas Pakistanis, place China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) agreements before parliament, but is unlikely to offer any relief to the people in the first 100 days in office.

the likely new finance minister Asad Umar said that offering any relief or subsidy to the people in first 100 days was like giving lollipops.

He said the first 100 days would also not see a decision that would change the destiny of the nation(but...where's the promised tsunami?)

He complained that the local and international media did not quote him accurately in recent reports about the need for $12 billion foreign financing, privatisation of 200 companies, including the Pakistan International Airlines and Pakistan Steel Mills, and so on. He said there was no discussion so far on revising budget and non-transparency in foreign loans was the real challenge.

“The situation is such that we don’t have the luxury of choosing one option, but will have to plan all options in parallel, including the IMF support within six weeks.”

“The Pakistanis abroad have a sentimental relationship with PTI and Imran Khan and we plan to give them debt instruments with returns better than what they are getting at present so that they could also take a pride in nation building.”

dollar-denominated bond

He said his party had been demanding that the CPEC and LNG agreements should be presented in parliament and it would now ensure that economic decision-making was transparent.

He said Imran Khan would not distribute jobs in D-Chowk

Down to reality. I bet the chinis are not happy campers. Anyway, their sukuk, their karz.

WASHINGTON: Asad Umar, a Pakisan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader who is expected to be next finance minister, said on Wednesday that Pakistan had been running a current account deficit of $2 billion a month for the last three months.Addressing a US think-tank from Islamabad, Mr Umar suggested resolving the Afghan dispute to improve Pakistan’s economic prospects and disagreed with those who say that political governments cannot make decisions about Afghanistan.

This "guy" holds a MBA Degree from one of Pakiland's prestigious business schools ( IBA) so he knows what he is talking about . But strangely, he very well could have approached the "Chini Think Tanks"- for the "beggary" - as he had earlier stated that no options can be ruled out because of the "urgency of the problem"

The PTI leader, who came straight to Skype from Imran Khan’s meeting with the acting US ambassador, said that Washington agrees with PTI’s observation that Afghanistan was moving closer to a permanent peace.

So, now it comes out that request for US Moolah was also discussed when The Khan had his meeting with the US Amb . Maybe, it was the SOLE purpose of the envoy making a track to Bani Gala and discussing the precarious financial situation with Asad and Imran. And a quick Skype meeting arranged . ( For Echendee purposes, it was not mentioned in the initial reports of the meeting . So whatever BS is printed in the media , MASSA is still the last [ and IMO the default ] resort of "help" for Pakiland .)

PPP’s Naveed Qamar and PML-N’s Tariq Fatemi also spoke at the think-tank — the US Institute of Peace — and agreed with the observation that Pakistan was facing a major financial crisis, perhaps the worst ever.“We are facing a significant current account crisis, it’s well-known, well-document,” said Mr Umar. “From the time when the PML-N came in five years back, current account deficit of $2bn a year, to a situation where in the last three months we have been running a current account deficit of $2bn a month.”

So, it is a joint and desperate plea for financial help on behalf of ALL Pakiland . Political differences - between Ganja Party, Zardari Party and Imran PTI temporarily "forgotten" for national unity purposes . Now it will be up to the "US Institute of Piss ", to do the necessary PR giri in collaboration with Paki Embassy, a PR firm ( if they still have the money to hire one !), Paki Friendly Congressman and Senators ( McCain is "almost gone" !) to make the case for "urgent" relief from IMF spigot to assuage the thirst being felt now

Noting that this was a 12-fold increase, the future finance minister added: “This is not sustainable. Given that, the most urgent action required of the government will be to deal with this crisis.”

The future Finance Minister is literally "begging" , at least IMO, when you strip away the diplomatic language

The PTI government, he said, would explore all available opportunities available to us. “But the decision has been left so late that you will have to look at all options … including discussions with bilateral and multilateral organisations. It is the most immediate crisis that is being faced.”

How desperate can you get than this ! What he is saying- between the lines - is please forgive us if we had also mentioned the Chinis , but prefer US dollars from you ASAP !!!

Mr Umar then talked about an option that has been considered a taboo in Pakistan, changing foreign policies for economic gains. As a member of the audience later pointed out, the conventional wisdom in Pakistan is, a political government has little control over issues like Pakistan’s relations with the US, India and Afghanistan. When a political government tries that, it runs into trouble. “My sense is, at least some of this narrative is used by political governments to find excuses for their failures,” the PTI leader said.“Imran Khan will stand by the decisions we take. We will not come and say we wanted to do this but did not have control. If Imran Khan does not (have control), he would like to go home.”

Here is the solid example . The future Finance Minister is "complaining" some "political policies" are NOT in control of The Khan , so please help us ASAP. I.O.W the "new Imran" govt is forced to do the dirty work of the Fauj to go "begging for more money" , so the Fauj can still, in the future, purchase "brand new toys" , create mischief in Kashmir and Afghanistan , and suppress all Non Pakjabi ethniicities (plus humiliate an Ex PM in jail !) . DEFENCE EXPENDITURE SHOULD BE DRASTICALLY CUT !!! That should be the message from POTUS and Massa !

Mr Umar, however, acknowledged that the military was the strongest institution in Pakistan, which continued to grow in strength while the civilian capacity eroded. “So, it makes sense for a Pakistani government to make use of that capacity,” he said, noting that US President Donald Trump had also pledged to withdraw from Afghanistan during his campaign but the US military establishment persuaded him not to.The PTI leader said that he saw “a potential opportunity” for economic prosperity in Pakistan in restoring peace and stability to Afghanistan. He pointed out that in his first speech after the election, Imran Khan too talked about the importance of peace in Afghanistan for Pakistan,

Again, stripped of all niceties, it is a plain plea for help . Beggary IOW !!!

“In the messages that came in the last 10 days, there seems to be a widespread hope for a breakthrough in Afghanistan … all factors are coming together, and there’s a possibility of Afghanistan moving towards a permanent peace and reconciliation,” he said. “And the two issues are linked because Pakistan’s economic prospects are weighed down by what’s happening in Afghanistan.”

Stop the ISI mischief making in Afghanistan, stop suppressing the Pashtuns and the Baloch, stop blaming India for your problems , stop building the Durand Fence, that should be Massa 's response , before releasing ANY MONIES, at least IMO. !

The future finance minister also pointed out that Pakistan’s relationship with the world, in particular with the US, were seen — if not entirely, to a great extent – through the prism of Afghanistan.“So, obviously it is a vital issue for Pakistan, both in the immediate future as well as in a longer term,” he said while explaining why he believed there’s room for optimism, at least on that front.

Nothing about ISI machinations

Noting that this sense of optimism was also felt in Imran Khan’s meeting with the acting US ambassador, the PTI leader said: “So, in that context, it’s a bit unfortunate that (US Secretary of State Michael) Pompeo decided to make the statement that he did even before we had the opportunity to go into a discussion on the IMF programme.”

Should he, also not have made the provocative remark about Americans "owing a lot of money" to China ! In retrospect, those undiplomatic words are not likely to be forgotten in corridors of DC power, or by Pompeo himself . Lesson for the future, for the "budding" FM of Pakiland

The PTI government, he said, would follow a foreign policy of friendship with Pakistan’s neighbours, both east and west of the border. It would also like to rebuild Pakistan’s relationship with the United States, which was not just a superpower but also an old ally. Damage control exercise, no doubt ( but you need the dollars ASAP !).Similarly, he said, the next government would also like to further strengthen Pakistan’s relations with China.

The new sugar daddy has to be "assured" as well ! Will the New Chini Naval Base at Gwadar be still in the CPEC "do list" after this phone call

China was the foremost on Imran Khan’s mind, as “he keeps talking about, how they lifted such a large number of people out of poverty”, Mr Umar said.

The Chini model is not popular in DC !!

“We look forward to constructive relationships with all important countries and the US is the most important. But the PTI will not have “an either-or approach. We want good relations with both the US and China”.

So, the Finance minister is saying that Pakistan still wants to keep its option of "who it can sleep with" . Right now, "two girlfriends" are already there, if you do not count Russia ( or Saudia, or Japan !)

Atif Aslam faces backlash for singing Indian song at Independence Day Parade

Pakistan’s acclaimed signer Atif Aslam landed in hot waters after he decided to sing an Indian song at an Independence Day Parade held in New York City.

During the celebrations of the Independence Day held at the Big Apple earlier this week, the Pakistani heartthrob ended up letting some of his fans down by choosing to sing one of his hit Indian tracks titled ‘Tera Hone Laga Hoon’ from the 2009 released film ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’.

Release of any money means TSP will live on. Any business with new puppet gov means TSP will live on longer. May be this is the moment we must thrust a war on them and euthanize them out of conpassion. I am unable to see them suffer.Who knows we might get PoK and few bits amd pieces-of what remains of it.

KARACHI: The Ambas­sador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Pakistan Takashi Kurai has said that Japan and Pakistan have enjoyed good and fruitful relations for over 65 years and they will continue to support Pakistan in the future as well.He was addressing a gathering organised by the English Speaking Union at a local hotel here on Wednesday.

“Let me start with my last meeting with Mr Imran Khan, head of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, on Friday where I made clear to him that whatever government comes into power in Pakistan, Japan will continue to support economic development here. Your principles based on transparency, law and justice, social equity, education and provision of clean drinking water for the people is something that Japan also stands for,” he said.

After all, they still own .50 of 3.50 ownership in Pakiland Inc

“We have enjoyed a good relationship with Pakistan since before 1952 and there is potential for further strengthening and betterment particularly in the political context,”...

“We imported cotton from Pakistan as textile was an important industry in Japan, but after World War II we needed cotton and Pakistan was kind enough to export it to Japan,” he said.

“But after September 11, 2001, the people of Japan realised Pakistan’s issues and the strain on your country while fighting the war on terror.

The perception of Pakiland changed after 9/11. Fountain of world wide terrorism

Coming to the issue of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said that there was a misunderstanding here that Japan was against CPEC. “It is not true,” he said.

There is a historic enmity between Cheen and the Japs, but they still get along economically !

He also said that Pakistan was looking to expand its exports, but bilateral trade with Japan was not going to work out because there was an imbalance as Pakistan had few things to export compared to Japan. “I do not believe that a free trade agreement with Japan would do Pakistan much good until you change the structure of your trading. There should be a diversification of export goods not just to Japan but all over the world,” he said. “Also different rules of economics apply to developed and developing countries. Pakistan is a developing country, so is China. But Japan is a developed country,” he pointed out

Saying diplomatically that "we do not need anything from you" . Hopes dashed !!! Good -bye Naya Pakistan ( at least from the Japs )

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), leader Asad Umar has said a task force would be established to bring the looted money back to Pakistan.Umar, who is being tipped as the finance minister, in the upcoming PTI government, said, “We will have discussion with foreign experts for bringing back the looted money of Pakistan.”

Hope he is not considering sending "Mafia- type hit men" or "ISI goons" to fetch the so-called looted moolahs from Dubai, London, Massaland, Switzerland, Luxomburg, Liechenstein, Australia, US Virgin Islands, Panama, Barbados and other tax heavens . Three of the big -time looters ( Immy, Ganja and Dus Percenti ) are already located inland, so he will save a lot of monies anyways

Pakistan’s foreign reserves had declined to an alarming level, he said. Quoting the former finance minister Ishaq Dar’s statement, he said 200 billion dollars were kept in the Swiss banks.

The liquidity situation must be very very desperate indeed. This "radical option" comes on the heels of an earlier report in the Paki press citing the to -be Finance Minister in a lengthy Skype Video Appeal to a US Think Tank for "urgent US Financial Help" and urging them to convey this "request" to US corridors of power . Stripped of all diplomatic niceties, it appeared to be another verbal "begging bowl" appeal, (otherwise Pakistan will go under ) . Strangely, this "video meeting" was arranged soon after the US Amb met The Khan at his Bani Gala Residence . The Zardari and the PML Party also participated in the "Appeal" . All political differences suppressed in the name of The National Emergency ! The US Embassy may have facilitated the logistics. Also , for H&D purposes, this news was suppressed from the Paki awaam until today !

To a question, he said the indirect taxation, which affects the common man, would be reduced.All important measures would be taken to improve the working of the institutions so that better results in the economic sector could be achieved in an appropriate manner, he said.To another question, Asad Umar said some 10 million jobs would be provided to people during the period of five years. All the jobs would be given in public and private sectors, he added. In a query, he said Pakistan’s Northern Areas have been very beautiful and tourism would be promoted there.

IMO, this is Immy's pet project . He has always referred to this . In fact, he has gone so far and produced a coffee table book on this ( Indus Journey ) . Nothing about lack of infra structure- roads and hotels - in northern areas, the ever present eyes and ears of the Premier Institution's (ISI) men following tourists 24/7 in the so-called strategic areas , the ever present danger of being kidnapped or labeled CIA , Mossad or RAA agents , and the inevitable bureaucratic hurdles ( NOC etc etc ). So, IMO, it is a non starter, and will bring minimal US Dollars !!! And to top it all, they are "milking" all they can about Pakiland being the so-called "best kept secret in holewhole of Asia"- a stupid remark made by some British jerk - for the purpose of back-pak-ingback-packing (AKA cheap tourism done mostly by "Frugal Hippies"

-IMO, this piece does not merit any substantiation and /or elaboration.- A lot of huff and puff is being recently reported in the Paki press about how the previous govt of Ganja "allowed" Raheel Sharif to leave for Saudia without getting NOC, other approvals etc etc . Can anyone in his right mind think that the all powerful COAS is going to wait for some " pesty paperwork" to be completed ( dot all the i and cross all the t ) to grab his once in a lifetime opportunity to be at the service of the "arrogant Saudis". (one of the mai-baaps of Pakiland ! ) We are talking over $ 1 million + US per annum plus perks. Is there any mai-ka-laal who can dare stop the "Bad Sharif" from boarding a private jet send to La-Whore by the Saudia Govt . IMO, Imran cannot risk the ire of the Paki Fauj, if he pursues and goes after the"jernail". -Ganja went after Mush. Look what has happened to him

ISLAMABAD – Authorities of Adiala Jail on Thursday did not allow the bigwigs of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) to meet incarcerated former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Senator Usman Kakar reached the jail to call on Sharif, who is currently serving his term in the jail following his conviction in the Avenfield case.

Speaking to the media outside the jail, the PkMAP chief said, “I have been in Islamabad for the past two weeks and trying to meet Nawaz but was not allowed by the authorities”.“The Constitution grants permission to inmates to meet everyone,” Achakzai added.

Imran's "coronation" as PM is scheduled two days from now, if Paki Press Reports are to be believed . Ganja might pass some "secret" message to Achackzai or MAAP leader might pass "something" on to Ganja . So all "precautions" need to be taken . So, permission is henceforth denied

ISLAMABAD – Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday expressed resentment over delay in the probe of Nandipur power project corruption scandal.A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice conducted hearing over the restored 2011 petition of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Mohammad Asif against allegations of corruption in the construction of 525-megawatt combined cycle power plant at Nandipur (Gujranwala).Report of Justice Rehmat Hussain Jafri on the Nandipur project was submitted in the court. Accoridng to it, the national exchequer suffered a loss of Rs113 billion due to negligence of the then federal law ministry for causing delay in giving necessary approval and completing documents for the execution of 950-megawatt power generation projects of Nandipur and Chichon-Ki-Malian.

NAB prosecutor told that two cases related to the project are under investigation in Lahore and Rawalpindi chapter of the bureau.“A reference will be filed this week in accountability court,” he said

The Chinis were involved here ! Is Saquib going to "consult" summons them ?

SBajwa wrote:Well! There is no concept of pilgrimage as Guru Nanak Dev ji himself taught us. Like he says to the Haji's going to mecca that without good deeds we will both cry.Here is a narration by Bhai Bala who went along with Guru Nanak Dev and Bhai Mardana to Mecca. They were stopped outside the city while Mardana went to do his Hajj. Guru Nanak dev ji kept telling people the following.

1. Society aka Sangat coming together and singing devotional kirtan.2. Food for everybody through Sewa (volunteerism).3. Shelter place for travelers (Sarai).4. Educational place aka School for the children of the Sangat.5. A place for a doctor aka Vaid where sangat can visit.6. Guru Hargobind ji started tradition of wrestling bouts, exercises, swimming, keeping body fit, etc.

Gurudwaras are suppose to be community centers of the like minded Sangat.

I also went to Bakistan in 2006 without part of any Jatha. The caretakers of the Gurudwara Nanakana sahib were locked inside the gurudwara while the person managing the lock was sleeping in his house. We waited for 30 minutes before he biked in and made us write down in a register that we were Sikhs visiting. There was no Guru Granth Sahib the Nishan Sahib (Flag) was torn. The Sikh children (locked inside) were playing by themselves (there are about 4 families living inside Nankana Sahib). There was no prasad either. It is just a building.

kancha wrote:Exactly. There is no need of making any identical structure this side of the border.If the Gurudwaras on that side are lost, I will feel sorry, no doubts. But then it doesn't break or shake my faith.Even now, not everyone gets to visit these Gurudwaras in Pakistan.

SBajwa Ji & kancha Ji :

I thank you two for your sentiments as well as not taking umbrage at my suggestion.

I also agree in the term “Man Mandir” i.e. The Place of Worship is primarily in the Mind – Heart.

The Har Mandir in Amritsar i. e. the Golden Temple is indeed sufficient for one's Temporal Needs. However, may be, there would be an Edifice to replicate the Janamsthan to counteract the Ātaṅkavadīsthani disregard for non-Islamic Religions in General and Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism in Particular.

I have no other thoughts in this matter.

Cheers

Along with that we should have regular historical classes for our children to show them what and how we have lost. Never forget otherwise history repeats itself!

ISLAMABAD – Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (r) Nasirul Mulk has forwarded a summary to President Mamnoon Hussain to convene a session of National Assembly in the coming week.

The summary forwarded on Thursday seeks the head of the state to call the session of the Lower Chamber of the Parliament on August 13th, Monday.The oath taking ceremony would be held on same day along with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker election. On August 14 the elections of Prime Minister of Pakistan would be held.

During the first session, the lawmakers-elect will take an oath administered by the former speaker of the National Assembly , Sardar Ayyaz Sadiq.Afterward, the lawmakers will elect the Prime Minister by casting vote in favor of their preferred candidate.

The Assembly session is just a paperwork ( legal ) formality . Like the CPEC Agreement, his election will be ramrodded through the Paki Parliament . If need be, The Deep State is committed to doing the "dirty work" behind the scene to come up with the magic numbers . A lot is at stake . Imran is already "acting" as PM ( meeting envoys, giving speeches, receiving felicitations etc etc ) . He has "selected" the luxurious Pakjab House to be his new " Bani -Gala " So, nothing can be left to chance ! And the looming liquidity crisis is like a ton of bricks on Imran's and Asad's head. !

Currently, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief, Imran Khan and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz President, Shehbaz Sharif are in the run for the top slot, however, the cricketer-turned-politician seems to be in a comfortable position to steer the country.PTI’s spokesperson, Fawad Chaudhry had announced that the party had secured the support of 180 lawmakers, contending that the support of 172 legislators is necessary to form government at the federal level.Following the election, the Prime Minister will take an oath of his office which will be administered by President Mamnoon Hussain, most probably at the President House.PTI had earlier announced that it will not invite foreign dignitaries at the oath-taking ceremony.According to the chief of staff of Imran Khan, Naeemul Haque, the Prime Minister will reside at the annexe of the Punjab House, instead of the palatial PM House, under the austerity drive.

. Unless, Imran's "beloved" 4 dogs are also going to "share" "accomodations" at the new locale, he will need a 24/7 live -in caretaker for his 4 pets there ! And, he should definitely make it a point to visit them on the weekend, lest they feel lonely and " go upstairs" . On weekdays, he can send an armed escort and a specially designed ( VIP) SUV to bring them for a short visit to allay their (and his) pangs of lonliness .

Well, technically, the real naya-bakistan begins August 14. That's when the schitt hits the fan and day 1 of the 100 days to nirvaana begins. This brief honeymoon period is still in the no-mard's-land with no one minding the fort (qila).

Qualifications to earlier promises (of a farewell state) and claims (of all around prosperity) are now beginning to flood in. A tsunami of a different type.

PTI’s economic message

AS an exercise in managing expectations, the message sent out by Asad Umar of the PTI at a news conference on Tuesday is timely. Nobody should expect revolutionary changes at the outset of the new government’s term, he seemed to say. The fact that these expectations have been built up by the party’s own campaign, however, is difficult to miss. It is possible to see the news conference as an attempt to manage expectations, or as a face-saving way to climb down from some of the positions taken by the PTI in the run-up to the elections. His message went directly against the one put out by the party in its ‘first 100 days’ event.

I thank you two for your sentiments as well as not taking umbrage at my suggestion.

I also agree in the term “Man Mandir” i.e. The Place of Worship is primarily in the Mind – Heart.

The Har Mandir in Amritsar i. e. the Golden Temple is indeed sufficient for one's Temporal Needs. However, may be, there would be an Edifice to replicate the Janamsthan to counteract the Ātaṅkavadīsthani disregard for non-Islamic Religions in General and Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism in Particular.

I have no other thoughts in this matter. Cheers

SBajwa wrote:Along with that we should have regular historical classes for our children to show them what and how we have lost. Never forget otherwise history repeats itself!

ISLAMABAD: The incoming Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government will have to redouble its efforts to pull the national economy from nose diving, party’s financial guru Asad Umar was cautioned by the Ministry of Finance.

He was warned that the country’s foreign currency reserves would again fall below $9 billion mark soon and budget deficit trends were also not positive.

Umar, likely to become the 35th federal minister for finance, held a one-on-one meeting with Caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar, who briefed him about the latest developments on the economic front.

The meeting was held a day after Umar met with the media and described the current state of the economy as “dire”. Before the meeting, he briefly met with all senior officers of the ministry.

In his media briefing, the corporate executive-turned-politician described Pakistan’s external sector’s performance “far worse than five years ago” but still manageable.

Umar did not disclose the details of his interaction with Dr Shamshad but said that he “discussed cricket with Dr Shamshad Akhtar”.

However, sources in the Ministry of Finance said that the interim finance minister gave a detailed briefing on the economic indicators for FY2017-18 and a possible strategy to deal with those issues.

Umar, sources said, was informed about the issues related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the role the caretaker minister played in this regard.

He was reportedly informed that Pakistan’s gross forex reserves would slip below $9 billion by the end of September even after securing a $2 billion official inflow from China and arranging $1.4 billion commercial loans over the past two months.

The assessment was in line with Umar’s opinion. He is reported to have said that the PTI government would have to make crucial decisions about handling the external sector challenges before the end of September.

The would-be-finance minister was informed that forex reveres were expected to remain around $10 billion by the end of this month, the sources said.

After the Chinese injection of $2 billion, the gross official reserves had bounced back to over $10.4 billion by the end of July.

The caretaker finance minister is also said to have informed him about the fiscal situation, which Umar had already described as being unsustainable.

He was told that over the previous fiscal year (2017-18), budget deficit increased to 6.8% of GDP or Rs2.3 trillion.

In absolute terms, it was the highest-ever budget deficit recorded in the country’s history.

The previous PML-N government had set the budget deficit target at 4.1% of GDP, which had been breached by a wide margin.

Historically, the budget deficit and current account deficit were major reasons behind seeking bailout packages from the IMF.

Umar was also briefed about fiscal trends witnessed in the current fiscal year.

For this year, the last parliament had approved a budget deficit target of 4.9% of GDP or Rs1.9 trillion. But, Umar was informed that initial trends were not positive.

The budget deficit in the first month of the new fiscal year was close to Rs150 billion or 0.4% of GDP, significantly higher than the one recorded in the same month of the last fiscal year.

Higher interest payments were said to be the main reason for excessive spending in July, sources said.

They said that interest payments in July alone amounted to two-thirds of the total spending, indicating that controlling current expenditures would be an uphill task for the PTI government.

The last National Assembly had sanctioned Rs1.62 trillion for debt servicing in the ongoing fiscal year and about 15% of that has already been consumed in a single month, sources said.

The caretaker finance minister also informed Umar about the steps she had taken to ‘contain’ expenditures and correct macroeconomic imbalances, said sources.

They said she listed increase in interest rates and devaluation of the rupee as measures to improve the balance of payment situation.

Another challenge that Umar will have to face is building a good team at the Ministry of Finance.

He might not have been briefed about that but almost all additional finance secretaries had either gone on leave or were planning to take long leaves.So they can take their PIA or other Flights and seek Refuge in Massaland, Canada, UK, Aussie Land and otherNon-Islamic Countries!

anupmisra wrote:Qualifications to earlier promises (of a farewell state) and claims (of all around prosperity) are now beginning to flood in. A tsunami of a different type.

PTI’s economic message

AS an exercise in managing expectations, the message sent out by Asad Umar of the PTI at a news conference on Tuesday is timely. Nobody should expect revolutionary changes at the outset of the new government’s term, he seemed to say. The fact that these expectations have been built up by the party’s own campaign, however, is difficult to miss. It is possible to see the news conference as an attempt to manage expectations, or as a face-saving way to climb down from some of the positions taken by the PTI in the run-up to the elections. His message went directly against the one put out by the party in its ‘first 100 days’ event.

It took 7 years for #Pakistan SC to understand an elementary principle of international law! ‘No extradition in political matters.’ Now they plan to initiate fake cases for other ‘crimes.’ Wont work either. No one will trust false charges filed 7 yrs late. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1776817/1- ... old/?amp=1 …

ISLAMABAD: International law expert Ahmer Bilal Soofi informed the apex court on Thursday that former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani could not be brought back to Pakistan on charges of contempt of court.A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar was hearing the case.Soofi apprised the court that the offence pertaining to an alleged misappropriation of the embassy fund could be pursued but the matter should be referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to bring Haqqani back through Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA). In view of this offence, Haqqani could be arrested in US under the international law.Justice Ijazul Ahsan remarked that the Foreign Office (FO) should take up the matter with US authorities to bring back Haqqani to the country.

A brainstorming session - as how to "get" Hussein - right on the front page of the Express Tribune. Do these Paki morons really think that Massa is going to extradite one of their own citizens ( assuming Hussein already is one !) where he is unlikely to see "fair justice"

Soofi also recommended that FO should communicate SC’s displeasure regarding Haqqani to US authorities.

What do Pakis want . $ 12 Billion from Massa ASAP or Hussein Haqqani ASAP. They cannot have both. Asad is "literally begging" for US moolah . It is best to "forget" about the "Good Haqqani" in these emergency times. At least IMO

On the other hand, Justice Umar Ata Bandial said the apex court is a judicial body working under the Constitution and it is imperative to take up the matter with US authorities.Soofi also submitted a draft of amendments in FIA rules which could enable the agency to execute the MLA process currently being exercised by NAB.Under that new power, any concerned agency can directly approach a foreign agency regarding any matter without involving FO.The bench has sought a report from the federal government as well as NAB regarding Soofi’s proposed draft.

Again other confirmation that the Echendee and the Bravado factor is very, very important, when dealing with The First Islami Atomi Takat